Board of Directors Meeting
7:15 p.m.

Board of Directors Meeting

W illiamsport A rea

S chool D istrict

Board of Directors Meeting

May 3, 2005

7:15 p.m.

7:15 p.m.

Roosevelt Middle School Cafetorium

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. INVOCATION – Mr. Jay Shultz

DISTRICT BELIEF STATEMENTS

STATEMENT # 4

We believe each person is unique, important, and learns differently.

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None

Student Representatives’ Report – Katie McDermott and Amber Quick

5. REPORTS TO THE BOARD

5.1 BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.

A. Outstanding Students:

Josh Rieders, Fifth Grade Student at Cochran Elementary School—Presented by Bruce Elliott, Principal
Gabrielle Schusler, Fifth Grade Student at Sheridan Elementary School— Presented by Paul Daniels, Principal
Emily Green, Eighth Grade Student at Curtin Middle School—Presented by James Dougherty, Principal

B. Congratulations to Stephanie Ranck, an eighth grade student at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for being selected to represent the Williamsport Area School District in the 10^th Annual Pennsylvania Arts in Education Day.

C. Congratulations to Mr. J. Scott McNeill for being selected for the state of Pennsylvania’s Alternative Educator of the Year award. This award is a highly competitive selection process. We are honored that Mr. McNeill was selected as the recipient.

D. Consider ratifying adjudications from quasi-judicial hearings held on April 20, 2005.

E. Consider ratifying the adjudication from the quasi-judicial hearing held on May 2, 2005.

F. Act 72 Discussion.

5.2 SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.

A. Calendar of Events

May 9 Elementary Alternative Education Meeting 4:00 pm
May 12 Hepburn-Lycoming & Round Hills Inservice Day
May 13 District-Wide Inservice Day
May 13 Diversity Festival in Brandon Park
May 16 Diversity Committee meeting 12:00 pm
May 16 Secondary Alternative Education Meeting 4:00 pm
May 17 WASD School Board meeting 6:00 pm
May 19 ETAC/ATAC meeting 6:30 pm

May 27-30 Memorial Day Holiday
June 7 WASD School Board meeting 6:00 pm

5.3 Committee Reports by Board Members

5.4 Construction Projects

6. FINANCE REPORT

Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson

6.1 Consider approving the following financial reports:

A. Payroll Report:

General Fund – Unrestricted $4,048,304.31

General Fund – Restricted 432,451.48

Athletics and Extra Curricular 39,190.72

Food Service Fund 108,975.11

Data Processing Fund 11,244.75

Maintenance Fund 55,612.80

Mercantile & Privilege 0.00

Earned Income Tax 53,116.75

Student Activities 0.00

TOTAL $4,748,895.92

6.2* Consider authorizing payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 05/03/05 in the amount of $195,102.41, 05/03/05A in the amount of $112,066.21, 05/03/05B in the amount of $119,106.16, 05/03/05C in the amount of $400.00, 05/03/05D in the amount of $1,624,695.47, 05/03/05E in the amount of $14,308.47, 05/03/05F in the amount of $200.00, 05/03/05G in the amount of $25.00, 05/03/05H in the amount of $50.00 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 05/03/05, 05/03/05A, 05/03/05B, 05/03/05C, 05/03/05D, 5/03/05E, 05/03/05F, 05/03/05G, and 05/03/05H.

FINANCE REPORT CONTINUED

6.3* Consider authorizing the following action relative to Fiscal Year 2005-2006:

A. A public official bond in the amount of $500,000 for the following for the faithful performance of duties for the period beginning July 1, 2005 and the premium paid in accordance with Sections 431, 436 and 658 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended:

1. Charles E. Peterson, Jr., Board Secretary/Business Administrator (as Board Secretary).

Madeline T. Bird, Controller/Treasurer (as Tax Officer)
Jeanette Y. Bower, Tax Office Manager (as Deputy Tax Officer).

B. The Controller/Treasurer to invest funds temporarily surplus to the needs of the Williamsport Area School District during fiscal year ending June 30, 2006, in accordance with the provisions of the School Laws of Pennsylvania, 1949 as amended, Section 440.1.

C. The Purchasing Agent to purchase material and supplies, contracted services, furniture, equipment, textbooks and other goods and services for which appropriations are made in the budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006, in accordance with the School Laws of Pennsylvania, 1949 as amended, and School Board Policy.

D. The payment of salaries for instructional and non-instructional employees as these salaries become due and payable on the following dates:

07/08/05 07/22/05 08/05/05

08/19/05 09/02/05 09/16/05

09/30/05 10/14/05 10/28/05

11/10/05 11/25/05 12/09/05

12/23/05 01/06/06 01/20/06

02/03/06 02/17/06 03/03/06

03/17/06 03/31/06 04/14/06

04/28/06 05/12/06 05/26/06

06/09/06 06/23/06

E. The following signatories for all depositories of the funds of the Williamsport Area School District for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006:

David B. Stone, Jr. - Board President

Charles E. Peterson, Jr. - Business Administrator/Board Secretary

Madeline T. Bird - Controller/Treasurer

FINANCE REPORT CONTINUED

F. The following depositories of the funds of the Williamsport Area School District be authorized for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006:

PNC Bank

JP Morgan Chase Bank

M & T Bank

Sun Bank

Wachovia Bank, N.A.

Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust (PLGIT)

Pennsylvania School District Liquid Asset Funds (PSDLAF)

7. BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple

Questions may be directed to Dr. Lowery.

8. CURRICULUM REPORT

Questions may be directed to Mrs. Thomas.

8.1 Consider paying Cindy Brown, Certified Interpreter to tutor our interpreters, aide, and teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing in sign language in order to pass the Interpreter Certification examination to be given on May 25-26, 2005. Ms. Brown will be paid for 10 hours of service and will receive $35.00 per hour. She will be paid out of ACCESS funds. String number is 10-1200-339-891-00-000-000-004-005.

8.2 Consider approving the Metamorphosis Performing Company to provide the performance "Guffaws, Grins, and Giggles" to the Cochran and Jackson Elementary Summer School sites on July 20 and July 21, 2005. The total cost of the program is $700 ($350 per performance) and is funded through the Sheridan Grant.

8.3 Consider approving a text for use in the Williamsport Area High School AP Art History course: Gardner's Art Through the Ages, twelfth edition, by Fred. S. Kleiner and Christin J. Mamiya, published by Thomson Wadsworth. The text was selected by an art department committee. Cost of each text is $65.50 budgeted in 10-1100-642-00-030-850-122-015-0000

8.4 Consider extending liability insurance coverage under the District’s policy to two competent Bucknell graduate student interns who will continue to provide service to the District beyond the end of the University’s semester. The services will be provided gratis and the University is unable to provide coverage when not in session.

8.5 Consider approving a Letter of Agreement with the Williamsport YMCA arranging extended day social skills, recreation, and cultural activities as a part of the Sheridan Project activities provided for Round Hills, Sheridan, and Stevens Elementary Schools. Services are paid for by the Sheridan Project grant. A copy of the Letter of Agreement is attached.

8. CURRICULUM REPORT CONTINUED:

8.6 Consider approving a Letter of Agreement with Williamsport Child Guidance, Inc. arranging extended day social skills, recreation, and cultural activities as a part of the Sheridan Project activities provided for Jackson and Cochran Elementary Schools. Services are paid for by the Sheridan Project grant. A copy of the Letter of Agreement is attached.

8.7 Consider approving a Letter of Agreement with Williamsport Child Guidance, Inc. establishing the agency as the provider of summer school services for the District’s elementary schools for 2005. This agreement allows the summer school program to run normally, but allows expenses to be paid by the Educational Assistance grant. A copy of the Letter of Agreement is attached.

9. PERSONNEL REPORT

Questions may be directed to Mr. Dugan.

9.1 MEMORIAL RESOLUTION – Carole M. Bergerstock

Consider adopting the following memorial resolution:

WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District observes with profound sorrow the untimely passing from this life of Carole Bergerstock who for over thirty-one years was a dedicated administrative support for the School District,

WHEREAS, the Board recognizes with respect and appreciation the devotion and time she gave to her colleagues, parents, and family, and the consideration she always showed them,

WHEREAS, the tragic loss of Carole will be deeply felt by many for a long time; now, there be it

RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District tenders its deepest sympathy to her family in their bereavement, with the comforting knowledge that her life was well spent for the good of the employees and community members she guided and for her fellow man

FURTHER RESOLVED: that the members of this School Board direct that this resolution be spread upon the official minutes of this body and that a copy be presented to Mrs. Bergerstock’s family.

9.2 RESIGNATIONS

Consider accepting the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:

A. Ann A. Dinges, full-time special education teacher at Round Hills Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of June 10, 2005).

RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Ann A. Dinges from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 19½ years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.

9.3 LEAVES OF ABSENCE

Consider approving the following leaves of absence:

A. Susan R. McCusker, full-time special education teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for a sabbatical leave effective for the 2005-2006 school year (tentative dates of August 25, 2005, through June 9, 2006), for the purpose of study.

Mrs. McCusker has been a teacher in the District since January 3, 1978, and has taken previous sabbaticals during the second semesters of the 1996-97 and 1997-98 school terms.

B. Estella R. DeClerck, general food service worker at Cochran Elementary School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on April 14, 2005.

C. Jacqueline L. Derr, general food service worker at Jackson Elementary School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on April 25, 2005.

D. Gwenda L. Forker, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for April 7, 2005, and April 11, 2005.

E. Bobbi Jo Kuhns, general food service worker at Roosevelt Middle School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on April 22, 2005.

F. Donald A. Lepley, school bus driver for the District, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on April 22, 2005.

9.4* ELECTION OF STAFF

Consider the election of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:

A. The following persons to teach middle school summer classes at Curtin Middle School for the Middle School Remedial Summer School Program, effective June 20, 2005, through July 22, 2005, at the rate established in the Agreement by and between the Board of School Directors and the Williamsport Education Association ($24.67 per hour or contract rate). There will be no summer school classes scheduled on July 4, 2005:

6^th Grade Mathematics & Language Arts

Gregory P. Kinley 75 Cider Press Rd. Apt. 4, Lock Haven

7^th & 8 ^th Grade Language Arts

Kerri L. Sokolowski 35 Washington Blvd., Williamsport

7^th & 8 ^th Grade Mathematics

Michelle L. Pulizzi 1026 Mulberry St., Williamsport

B. The following persons as non-certificated substitute teacher with receipt of an emergency permit, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the salary and/or rates as established by Board policy, and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked during the 2004-2005 school year:

Matthew H. Reber 1401 Almond St., Williamsport (effective 05/02/05)

C. The following substitute teachers, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the salary and/or daily rates as established by Board policy, and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked:

Ann E. Ciccarelli 2205 Reed St., Williamsport (effective 05/02/05)

Shane D. Day 30 Hillside Dr., Jersey Shore

Shane E. Snyder 1215 Weaver St., Montoursville (effective 05/09/05)

Jennifer A. Steinbacher 64 E. Anthony St., Loganton (effective 05/09/05)

Cortney L. Tate 312 Princeton Ave. Ext., Williamsport (eff. 05/09/05)

D. Charles E. Peterson, Jr. as Board Secretary/Business Administrator of the Williamsport Area School District for a term of four years, effective July 1, 2005.

Section 404 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended, established

a four-year term of office, for the Board Secretary. Since Board Policy

005 (3 C) specifies that the Secretary shall also be the Business Administrator of the School District, the term of office of the Business Administrator coincides with that of the position of Secretary.

9.4 ELECTION OF STAFF CONTINUED:

E. Madeline T. Bird as Treasurer of the Williamsport Area School District for a term of one year, effective July 1, 2005.

Section 404 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended, established a one-

year term of office for the Treasurer. Madeline Bird is the Controller/Tax Officer, effective July 1, 2005. That position includes the duties of Treasurer.

9.5* POSITION CHANGES - None at this time

9.6 OTHER

A. Authorize payment in the amount of $320.00 ($20.00 per day for 16 days) to J. Scott McNeill, teacher in the Alternative Education School, for additional administrative responsibilities assumed at the Alternative Educational School during the administrator’s absence (acct. #10-1442-121-000-00-910-000-007-0000).

B. Authorize payment to Cindi L. Brown, 1209 Main St., Bloomsburg, Certified Interpreter, to tutor our interpreters, aide, and teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing in sign language in order to pass the Interpreter Certification examination to be given on May 25-26, 2005. Ms. Brown will be paid for 10 hours of service at the rate of $35.00 per hour (to be paid from ACCESS funds; string #10-1200-339-891-00-000-000-004-0005).

10. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Questions may be directed to Mrs. Thomas and Mr. Dugan.

10.1 RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS

Consider approving released time for staff members to participate in professional development activities in accordance with the Professional Development Plan of the Williamsport Area School District and consider approving training programs. All expenditures proposed are within local, state and federal budget categories approved as noted. (See attachment)

11. STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Questions may be directed to Dr. Lowery.

11.1* Consider approving the following student trips:

A. Twenty-five (25) members of Roosevelt Middle School’s Select String Ensemble, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to a number of area nursing homes during June 2003 to perform for the residents. Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements.

District transportation is requested (10-1100-519-000-20-650-121-023-0000).

11.1* Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:

B. Eighty-six (86) first grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and other adult chaperones, to travel to Lake Tobias (Halifax) during May 2005 for a study of animal habitats. Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements.

District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Cochran School Association.

C. Approximately 165 seventh grade students from Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Penn’s Cave during June 2005. Students eligible to participate will have received no out-of-school suspensions or individual remediation center assignments, no more than two time-outs, no more than two nights of detention, and no Saturday School assignments effective April 4, 2005, in order to participate.

District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Roosevelt PTO.

D. Six (6) autistic support students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher and six aides, to travel to Snyder’s Dairy Farm (Hepburnville) and the Hepburnville Little League Pavillion during May 2005. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school more than five days; will have no bus disciplinary record; will be passing all major courses; and are not, in the judgment of their house principal, experiencing attendance difficulties.

Transportation will be provided using the school van.

E. Forty-five (45) business and personal law students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teachers and other adult chaperons, to travel to the Lycoming County Courthouse on a date to be determined in May 2005. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school more than five days; will have no bus disciplinary record; will be passing all major courses; and are not, in the judgment of their house principal, experiencing attendance difficulties.

District transportation is requested (10-1390-519-000-30-850-280-033-0000). Two substitutes will be required for the day.

F. Fifty-eight (58) life skills and autistic support students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teachers, aides, and WillSERVE students, to travel to the Pioneer Tunnel during June 2005. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school more than five days; will have no bus disciplinary record; will be passing all major courses; and are not, in the judgment of their house principal, experiencing attendance difficulties.

District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid through the Special Education budget.

11.1* Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:

G. Retroactive Approval: Approximately 166 eighth grade students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied by their teachers and the dean of students, to travel to the Montour Preserve during April 2005. Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements.

District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Curtin PTO.

H. Ninety-two (92) kindergarten students from Jackson Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Lane’s End Farm (Jersey Shore) during May 2005. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended within 30 school days prior to the trip.

District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Jackson PTO.

I. Between 10 and 20 anatomy and physiology students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Penn College during May 2005. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school more than five days; will have no bus disciplinary record; will be passing all major courses; and are not, in the judgment of their house principal, experiencing attendance difficulties.

There will be no cost to the District. The students will transport themselves or be transported by their parents.

J. Approximately 10 emotional support students, accompanied by their teachers and aides, to travel Rock Run and Little Pine Creek to assist with fish stocking. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school more than five days; will have no bus disciplinary record; will be passing all major courses; and are not, in the judgment of their house principal, experiencing attendance difficulties.

Transportation will be provided in the school van with additional transportation by personal vehicle if needed. There will be no cost to the District.

K. Approximately 15 health occupations students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Hospital, Divine Providence Hospital, and the dental clinic during May 2005. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school more than five days; will have no bus disciplinary record; will be passing all major courses; and are not, in the judgment of their house principal, experiencing attendance difficulties.

District transportation is requested and will be paid by AHEC.

11.1* Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:

L. Thirty-nine (39) fifth grade students from Sheridan Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and other adult chaperones, to travel to Washington, DC, during June 2005. Students eligible to participate will not have received more than three pink slips, will not have been assigned to Saturday School, or will not have received more than one in-school detention within 60 calendar days prior to the trip.

Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. Costs will be paid by student fundraising.

M. Forty-five (45) first grade students from Round Hills Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and two aides, to travel to Red Lobster, the James V. Brown Library, and Memorial Park during June 2005. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school or assigned to Saturday School for disciplinary reasons within 30 days prior to the trip.

District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Round Hills PTO.

N. Twenty (20) students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Penn College during May 2005 to participate in Senator Madigan’s Educational Seminar. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school more than five days; will have no bus disciplinary record; will be passing all major courses; and are not, in the judgment of their house principal, experiencing attendance difficulties.

The students will transport themselves. One substitute will be required for the day.

O. Forty-five (45) freshman band students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teachers and adult chaperones, to travel to Dorney Park to observe the “Live at Dorney” band program. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school more than five days; will have no bus disciplinary record; will be passing all major courses; and are not, in the judgment of their house principal, experiencing attendance difficulties.

Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid y the WAHS Band Association.

P. Eighteen (18) life skills support students from Round Hills Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Faxon Bowling, Carvel, and the Dollar Store during May 2005 as part of their studies. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school or assigned to Saturday School for disciplinary reasons within 30 school days prior to the trip.

The students will be transported by City Bus. All costs will be paid from the special education budget.

11.1* Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:

Q. Seventeen (17) life skills support students from Lycoming Valley Middle School, accompanied by their teachers and two aides, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School during June 2005 as a high school transition activity.

District transportation is requested and will be paid from the special education budget.

12. BIDS/CONTRACTS - None

Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.

13. TAX ITEMS

Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.

13.1 Consider approving the attached tax summaries.

14. ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS

15. ITEMS FROM PUBLIC

Board Policy #902, “Public Participation in Board Meetings”:

A. There will be two public comment sections: one during the first two hours of

the meeting at a time to be determined by the presiding officer; and the other at the end of the meeting. This gives the presiding officer some flexibility to fit the first public comment section into the agenda at a convenient time.

B. Persons submitting a formal request to speak during the first public comments section should be present promptly at the beginning of the meeting in the event that they are invited to speak prior to commencement of the scheduled business that is outlined in the agenda. Persons who have submitted a written request will be given an opportunity to make a presentation about an issue that is on the agenda when the issue is scheduled for discussion or about an issue that is not on the agenda during the first two hours of the Board meeting, at a time to be determined by the presiding officer.

C. Each public comment section will be limited to a maximum of 20 minutes. Each speaker will be limited to a maximum of five minutes.

D. Those wishing to speak during the first public comments section must submit a formal request in writing to the business administrator no later that 9:00 a.m. on the day of the Board meeting. This gives people an opportunity to come to the District Service Center on Monday before the Board meeting to read the posted agenda.

PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES FOR OBTAINING AUXILIARY AIDES & SERVICES

The Williamsport Area School District does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability. If you are disabled and wish to attend and/or participate in any public meeting of the Williamsport Area School Board of Directors or event of the School District, the District will make reasonable accommodations to allow your full involvement. If you require specific auxiliary aids or services you must notify the Board Secretary (327-5500), 201 West Third Street, Williamsport, PA of your needs at least five (5) working days prior to the event.